Through his startup Meter Feeder, New York native Jim Gibbs is on a mission to help cities “future proof” their parking revenue. Gibbs launched the startup, which provides a mobile platform for users to pay for parking from any internet-connected device, in Pittsburgh in 2015. The company, which has successfully raised over $4 million, has grown to have 13 employees and be used throughout the City of Pittsburgh at all metered spaces governed by the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, and by cities and municipalities throughout the country. Gibbs and the company’s platform, which doesn’t require an account to use and stores all user data securely and directly on the device rather than on a server, were recognized as a part of Google’s Black Founders Fund in 2021.
What has been your biggest challenge getting your startup to where it is today?
Even though I’m a technical founder, it’s amazing how few people believe me. The biggest challenge by far is finding the initial local vocal believers.
How can Pittsburgh better serve its startup community?
If possible, buy from a startup! Be proud when something is made in Pittsburgh.
What do you hope your startup will be doing five years from now?
Meter Feeder will be securing mobility payments from all level of government.
Join us at The Assembly in Bloomfield on Sept. 20 to honor our Fire Awards recipients and celebrate innovation, resilience and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
